made to look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made to look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has been altered or presented in a certain way to create a specific appearance or impression. Example: "The magician made the rabbit look like it disappeared into thin air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was made to look beautiful.

The New York Times

That was made to look very easy.

The Guardian - Sport

It's made to look like wood.

The New Yorker

Porto were made to look feckless.

The Guardian - Sport

The Elysée has been made to look paranoid.

Independent

He doesn't want to be made to look ridiculous.

Independent

We were made to look crazy, wild, barbarous.

The New York Times

They are made to look ridiculously, flawlessly beautiful".

The New York Times

Before every press release was made to look very positive.

The New Yorker

Rubio, in particular, was made to look bad.

The New Yorker

For instance, avatars in dating were made to look more attractive while avatars in gaming were made to look more intellectual.

Computers in Human Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made to look" to describe how something is intentionally presented or modified to create a specific impression, often emphasizing a contrast between appearance and reality.

Common error

Avoid using "made to look" when describing unintentional resemblances; it implies a deliberate effort to create a specific appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made to look" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that something has been altered or arranged to create a specific visual impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe intentional modifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made to look" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe intentional alterations or arrangements designed to create a specific visual impression. As noted by Ludwig AI, it accurately conveys that something has been modified to present a certain appearance. Its prevalence in News & Media contexts suggests broad applicability, while its use in Science and Wiki indicates versatility across different domains. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the intentionality behind the appearance, and consider related alternatives like "designed to appear" or "crafted to seem" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed to appear

Focuses on the intention behind the appearance, highlighting deliberate design.

crafted to seem

Emphasizes the skill and effort involved in creating a specific impression.

constructed to give the impression

Highlights the artificiality of the impression, suggesting a deliberate construction.

presented as

Focuses on the act of presenting something in a particular way, rather than the underlying reality.

fashioned to resemble

Emphasizes the similarity to something else, suggesting imitation or mimicry.

contrived to look like

Highlights the artificial and planned nature of the appearance.

arranged to create the effect of

Focuses on the manipulation of elements to achieve a desired visual result.

given the semblance of

Suggests a superficial or misleading appearance, often implying deception.

altered to give the impression

Emphasizes that changes have been made to create a specific visual effect.

modified for appearance

Focuses specifically on changes made to alter the outward presentation.

FAQs

How can I use "made to look" in a sentence?

You can use "made to look" to describe something that has been altered or presented in a certain way to create a specific appearance or impression. For example: "The magician "made to look" like it disappeared into thin air."

What are some alternatives to "made to look"?

Alternatives include "designed to appear", "crafted to seem", or "presented as", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "made to look" when describing an appearance?

No, it is not always necessary. "Made to look" implies a deliberate effort to create an appearance, so if the appearance is unintentional, a different phrasing would be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "made to look" and "looks like"?

"Made to look" implies intentional design or modification, whereas "looks like" simply describes a resemblance, regardless of intent.